Characteristics of Sunflowers
Among numerous ornamental plants, sunflowers stand out with their unique biological features and brilliant yellow corolla. This plant, native to America, not only symbolizes light and hope but also contains many astonishing natural codes.
Morphological Characteristics of the Plant
Upright Stem Structure
Sunflower plants show a significant vertical growth pattern, with stems diameter ranging from 5-8cm, filled with spongy pith inside. The mature plant height usually falls between 1.8-3.2 meters, with special varieties like the Russian giant sunflower reaching up to 5 meters. The stem surface is covered with bristles, forming a natural protective layer.
Compound Leaf System
Obovate leaves measure 15-40cm in length, with sawtooth edges reaching 0.5-1.2cm in depth. The upper and lower epidermis are densely covered with villi, with about 200-300 villi per square centimeter. This special structure can reduce water evaporation and resist pests.
Special Growth Habits
Phototropism Mechanism
Young plants have a significant heliotropic property, with the flower disk rotating 15-30 degrees daily following the sun's trajectory. The eastward orientation of mature plants increases the corolla temperature by 2-3°C, which is more conducive to attracting pollinating insects.
Fast Growth Cycle
It only takes 70-100 days from sowing to flowering, with an average daily growth rate of 2.5cm. The flowering period lasts for 3-4 weeks, and a single plant can produce 800-2000 seeds, with the oil content in the seeds reaching up to 40-45%.
Key Points for Scientific Cultivation
Light and Temperature Control Standards
The ideal growth temperature range is 22-28°C, with seedlings requiring 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. During the full bloom stage, the light intensity should be maintained at 35,000-45,000 lux, with sufficient light making the flower disk diameter increase by 15-20%.
Water Management Plan
During the vegetative growth stage, 6-8 liters of water are needed per square meter, increasing to 10-12 liters during the budding stage. Drip irrigation technology can increase water utilization by 30% while avoiding root diseases.
This sun-facing plant is not only a component of the ecosystem but also an important economic crop in modern agriculture. By mastering its morphological characteristics and growth patterns, we can create spectacular golden fields and achieve the scientific cultivation of high-yield oil crops. With the development of breeding technology, dwarf ornamental varieties and high-oil varieties are constantly enriching the application scenarios of sunflowers.